Angina Symptoms in Women

Angina is a common symptom of coronary heart disease. Angina is known to be caused due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It is characterized by chest pain or tightness in upper chest while performing some physical activity. The pain may extend till your neck, throat or arms. You may also experience a chocking feeling in throat. One of the major causes of angina is narrowing of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. When these arteries get blocked due to fatty deposits, a condition that is known as atherosclerosis occurs which leads to angina attack. Other causes of angina include disease of heart valve, heart muscle or spasm in coronary arteries. The angina symptoms in women are different than those in men. Let us have a look at what are the various symptoms of angina in women.

What are the Angina Symptoms in Women?
Here are some angina symptoms. If and when you notice some of them, it is best to get yourself checked by a doctor to diagnose the problem. One of the most prominent angina symptoms in women is chest pain along with a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness and squeezing. It may also be commonly accompanied by a burning sensation in chest which is many a time mistaken as a symptom of indigestion. The chest pain caused due to angina is usually on the left side and it might further radiate to the throat, neck, shoulder, back or arm as well. Remember that the chest pain caused due to angina usually lasts for five minutes. Here is a list of some more common angina symptoms in women.

• Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• High blood pressure
• Burning sensation in throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain behind the breastbone
• Excess perspiration
• Dizziness
• Heavy feeling at the center of the chest
• Feeling of chocking or lump in the throat
• Lightheadedness and weakness
• Sensation of indigestion or heartburn
• Sharp pain in left arm, shoulders and back
• Complete numbness in one or both the arms
• Anxiety and fatigue

Many a time, angina is mistaken as heart attack. This happens because the symptoms of angina are much similar to those of a heart attack. Remember that the main difference between the two is the duration of pain.

You can follow some simple steps to help any progression in angina. Maintaining healthy body weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet is very essential. You must opt for a low fat diet, fiber rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help to reduce high blood pressure and obesity. You must give up smoking and have control on alcohol intake. These changes in your lifestyle will help you stay away from angina symptoms. Staying stress free by trying the relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga will also help.

Though angina does not damage your heart, remember that it is a symptom of coronary heart disease. If the above mentioned angina symptoms in women are experienced by you, it is best to soon visit a doctor. The diagnosis will include physical examination and knowing whether there is a family history of any heart disease. Before the doctor starts treatment for angina, he might also suggest an x-ray, echo-cardiogram, exercise stress test or coronary angiography to confirm the cause and type of angina. Further, your doctor might prescribe you some medications and would also guide you about the things to be done in emergency. Considering the severity of the problem, you doctor might suggest you an angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.